MixmodelA
Member
How rare are these? Been looking for some time now and can't seem to locate one. Thanks! Mick
S&W Model 29-1
- Thread starter MixmodelA
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44 Magnums model marked 29-1 are quite scarce. Only about 30 of these have been documented by collectors thus far. They were typically shipped between 1962 & 1963. I think anyone that collects 44 Magnums gets excited to even see a Model 29-1. They do surface occasionally. Good luck finding one!
The -1s of most models (not the J frames) are always the rarest because the -2s came along so soon afterwards.
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Engine49guy
Member
While the 29-1 isn't commonly encountered and sought after by collectors as a grail piece I'm a bit more skeptical.
We know that S&W didn't waste good parts, so lets assume that when the engineers came up with the next two big improvements the first was to address the problem of the extractor rod unscrewing under use.
Once the supply of older right hand thread cylinders was exhausted the new left hand thread cylinder was used on the 4 screw frame as the 29-1.
As the changeover to the new 3 screw frame is implemented and the supply of 4 screw Magnum N frames is depleted the new three screw N Magnum frame emerges and the 29-2 is then born.
We know that S&W didn't waste good parts, so lets assume that when the engineers came up with the next two big improvements the first was to address the problem of the extractor rod unscrewing under use.
Once the supply of older right hand thread cylinders was exhausted the new left hand thread cylinder was used on the 4 screw frame as the 29-1.
As the changeover to the new 3 screw frame is implemented and the supply of 4 screw Magnum N frames is depleted the new three screw N Magnum frame emerges and the 29-2 is then born.
The Model 29-1 is a bit unusual in that all but two of the thirty-five plus known have a 3-screw frame and an old style extractor rod with a right-hand thread. Why this occurred is not known, but it probably is a result of production scheduling for the Model 29 as well as a large supply of extractor rods and stems with a right-hand thread. Most of the Model 29-1s were shipped from May-December 1962. The serial number range is approximately S220000 to S230000. The Model 29-2 began to ship in late 1962 and even a few of these early -2 revolvers have an extractor rod with a right-hand thread.
The first photo shows S229224, Model 29-1, shipped in September 1962 with a 3-screw frame and extractor rod with an old style, right-hand thread. The second photo shows S220004, Model 29-1, shipped in December 1962, one of two with a 4-screw frame, extractor rod with an improved, left-hand thread, and nickel finish. Click on the photos for a better look.
Bill
The first photo shows S229224, Model 29-1, shipped in September 1962 with a 3-screw frame and extractor rod with an old style, right-hand thread. The second photo shows S220004, Model 29-1, shipped in December 1962, one of two with a 4-screw frame, extractor rod with an improved, left-hand thread, and nickel finish. Click on the photos for a better look.
Bill
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kevin in nh
Member
A 29 or a 29-2 go for 2k to 3k....29-1s are almost double!
Agreed. And not just 29-1s. We've seen this phenomenon in every model produced since the dash #s came into use.
There are voluminous examples of revolvers with a new dash number but w/o the new engineering change and even more w/o the new dash # but with the new change!
This thread isn't too old, I'll resurrect it to comment on the 29-1 I saw at the Fort Worth show yesterday. First 29-1 I've actually seen in the wild I think. 99+% with box/etc. and price was $8600, same seller also had an equally nice 19-1 for $3600. Or both for $11k if I took them yesterday. . .which I didn't. Very nice but are they really worth that much?
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff, yes and no to your question is the -1 variation worth the price you saw at the FT Worth show. Yes from the standpoint of scarcity. Only 35 or so have been documented in the last 15-20 years collectors like myself have been chasing after them. It wasn't until the internet got going in a serious way that most of the 35 were discovered. As the owner at one time or another of a good 1/3+ of those we know about I can say they do show up now and then but rarely enough that if a Model 29 collector wants to fill the -1 hole in their collection of pre-29 to -10, my advice is to buy it when you find it. You might very well not get a second chance unless you luck on to one where the seller doesn't know the significance of the model number. The seller in Ft Worth obviously knows what he has. No for the reason that if you're patient enough you might be lucky and find one for considerably less$. But again, with only 35+- showing up after the past 20 years and with a full blown internet, almost daily gun auctions somewhere, and the -1 mystique only getting bigger, like any other model, it's worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Good luck!
Chuck
1517
Here's S219982 the second 4 screw nickel -1 discovered so far.
Chuck
1517
Here's S219982 the second 4 screw nickel -1 discovered so far.
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MrG5122
Member
I've seen two sell in the last 30 days at action. Both north of six grand.
Welcome to the Forum, lots of good information here. Not sure what you mean by "jumped quicker?" If you can elaborate a bit perhaps folks here can offer some thoughts; pictures? All three you mention are great revolvers. An S sn 29-2 6.5 was the first S&W 44 I ever bought. . . .back in 1975.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
H P Bushrod
Absent Comrade
Scarce -1's
I've got a Model 14-1 four inch gun. I guess I better do some research on it. I used to shoot it frequently. Now it's collecting dust...J/K.
I've got a Model 14-1 four inch gun. I guess I better do some research on it. I used to shoot it frequently. Now it's collecting dust...J/K.
crsides
US Veteran, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The scarce -1 versions are only those that being model marked as early as 1960. Any revolver introduced after this would not share the scarcity of the earlier ones, ie any of the stainless guns, models 57, 58, etc. And I think this just holds true for the K and N frames.
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The -1 model variation being discussed in this thread is the engineering directive (#586) that changed the threads on the extractor rod from right to left hand in order to keep the rod from loosening due to recoil (of the 44 Magnum). The directive was issued on December 22, 1959, but it took over two years to implement with most -1 models being shipping in 1962 (a few in 1963).
Bill
Bill
How about a Model 29 Wyoming commiserative of the 100 years statehood, in nice &W wooden presentation case? Any idea of potential price> See my post Wyoming Centennial. I would love to see it in the hands of a WY resident
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